Mojiko Port once flourished as an international trading port.

This area is lined with retro Western-style buildings built from the Meiji period through to the early Showa period and is known as a popular tourist spot.

The popular Mojiko gourmet dish "yaki-curry" is a dish that has evolved uniquely in Kitakyushu, influenced by the cultures of various countries. This time, we will explain the appeal of "Mojiko Yaki-curry".

What is Kitakyushu's local gourmet dish "Mojiko Yaki Curry"?

"Yaki curry," a specialty of Mojiko Port, the northernmost point of Kyushu, is a dish of hot rice topped with curry, cheese, and egg and baked.

It is a Western-style dish that combines curry and doria, and is served at a variety of establishments, including specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is no specific definition for it, and some establishments top it with seafood, such as puffer fish or shrimp.

The history and origins of Mojiko Yaki Curry

There are various theories about the origin of Mojiko Yaki Curry, but one says it started in a coffee shop in Mojiko in the 1950s. At the time, they had leftover curry and cooked it in the oven like a doria. The delicious, fragrant flavor led them to offer it on the menu at the restaurant. It was well received by customers, and gradually more and more restaurants started serving it.

Mojiko Yaki Curry also attracted attention at the Yokosuka Curry Festival in 2011. It won the grand prize and was featured in multiple media outlets, which led to many tourists visiting the area.

The deliciousness and appeal of Mojiko Yaki Curry

Mojiko Yaki Curry can now be enjoyed at dozens of restaurants.

You can enjoy a variety of unique dishes, such as baked curry made with a blend of many different spices and a special roux, or a dish where ingredients are simmered until tender and topped with plenty of cheese.

The greatest appeal of Moji Yaki Curry is that after it is plated, it is cooked at a high temperature, concentrating the flavor of the curry and giving it a deep taste.

The bubbling sound, the aroma of spices when it is brought to you, the piping hot curry - it's an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed with all five senses. Partway through, you can crumble the egg yolk and mix it with the cheese to enjoy the mellow flavor.

If you find it hard to choose because there are so many restaurants, it can be fun to walk around the city looking at the Yaki Curry MAP.

Mojiko Yaki Curry Facts

From here on, we will introduce some interesting facts about Mojiko Yaki Curry.

Nowadays, Mojiko Yaki Curry has an image of being rich in toppings, but the original was apparently a little different to what it is today.

In the past, curry was often topped with small pieces of processed cheese, but at that time, the egg yolk would often crack when the curry was baked in the oven.

So they tried topping eggs with cheese, and it turned out beautifully, so before long cheese became a standard topping.

There are also restaurants in Kitakyushu where you can eat traditional grilled curry, so be sure to check them out.

Things to do in Kitakyushu

From here, we will introduce some recommended spots in Kitakyushu City.

Mojiko Retro District: A glimpse of retro and glamorous culture

The first is the Mojiko Retro District, the birthplace of Mojiko Yaki Curry. Originally, this area was prosperous for its fishing and salt production, but during the Meiji period it was designated a special export port by the government and developed into one of Japan's three major trading ports at the time.

The port has an exotic atmosphere, and imports from abroad are brought in, providing a glimpse of the fashionable cityscape and culture of the Meiji and Taisho periods.

Among these, the Mojiko Retro Observation Deck offers a panoramic view of the city of Kitakyushu, including the Kanmon Straits, Kanmon Bridge, and Karato Market, from the 31st floor, 103 meters above ground, and the nearby Blue Wing Moji offers a spectacular view of the bridge that rises to a height of 60 degrees.

"Tanga Market" where you can find souvenirs and fresh ingredients

Tanga Market, located in Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, is the only market in Japan located above a river and has a history of over 100 years.

It's also a great place to choose fresh ingredients, souvenirs, and gifts, and you can enjoy strolling and eating your way through the roughly 100 shops that are on offer. The Food Market Festival is held on the first Saturday of every month, and the area is bustling with locals and tourists, making it a lively place.

The moment you step inside, you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to a nostalgic era, this is a nostalgic spot.

Kitakyushu's night view spot "Sarakurayama"

Sarakurayama is also famous as a night view spot in Kitakyushu City.

You can take a cable car and a slope car to the top of the mountain, where you can see the whole of Kitakyushu city. The night view is also called "10 billion dollar night view" and has been selected as one of the new top three night views in Japan.

The "Sky Dome" at the top is illuminated mainly on weekends and is a popular date spot. In addition, Mt. Sarakura, which also has a hiking route, is 622 meters above sea level and is popular as a place where you can easily hike.

Be sure to come and experience one of the most beautiful night views in Japan.

Access to Kitakyushu City

From here, we will introduce how to access Kitakyushu City.

Kitakyushu City, also known as the gateway to Kyushu, has excellent transportation access.

It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes by plane from Tokyo, or about 4 hours and 40 minutes by Shinkansen.
It takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes by Shinkansen from Nagoya, and about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka.
It is accessible via expressways from Kyushu and Shikoku, and takes about an hour from Fukuoka and 2 hours and 40 minutes from Hiroshima.

Please feel free to use this as a reference.

Location of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced the local Kitakyushu gourmet dish "Mojiko Yaki Curry."

The area around Mojiko Port, lined with nostalgic buildings, is a fun place to visit, and as a memento of your trip, why not try the local specialty, "Mojiko Yaki Curry"?

Enjoy the harmony of hot curry and rich, creamy toppings.

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